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Toyota RAV4 Prices Paid and Buying Experience

3963 messages,  Last post on May 21, 2013 at 9:38 AM

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What is this discussion about? Toyota RAV4, SUV

Messages Page 282 of 397

#2809 of 3963 Re: RAV4 Limited 4FW V4 [eljatul] by kkrtrek

Apr 02, 2009 (11:35 am)

Replying to: eljatul (Apr 01, 2009 11:50 pm)
I'm in southern Oregon and I "worked with" dealers throughout Oregon and some in Seattle. I had the same experience as you are having. When I talk about invoice price, I mean the true invoice price, verifiable on Edmunds and in other places--NOT the phony invoice price the dealers claim and email you. Also, my costs included no processing fees, document fees, or whatever else they might want to call them.
 
We tried for months to get to true invoice price and were unable to do it. Many times, we were given a "take it or leave it" price. Several times we countered and never got a reply. Overall, it was a very unpleasant experience. We eventually purchased the RAV you described, but with backup camera and four or five other options we did not want (exhaust tips, door sill enhancements [!!], and whatever else). We were pretty specific in terms of what we wanted, including both interior and exterior color--no substitutions, so we eventually just took the best price we were able to negotiate, which was probably about $400 over invoice. I never added up the exact costs of the various extra options we didn't want, but I suspect they would have brought the invoice to about $26,600. Even at that, I think there were two more options (cargo net and something else) that were not even invoiced anywhere, so we got those for free. We paid $27,000--no doc fees, nothing else but license and title, which was something around $45.
 
If I had to do it again, I may well have have given up and gone with my second choice. My suggestions to you--and take them for what they may be worth from someone who was not real successful at the process--would be to stick to a price you are willing to pay, maybe invoice, $100 over, whatever it is. Then contact a couple dealers that seem like they actually want to sell you the car and talk to them or go in, in person, ready to finalize a deal--and ready to walk out, too.
 
I just checked my sticker, and the MSRP was $28,992 (after subtracting out the $2000 "discount" for the extra value package). Don't get me wrong, I totally love the car. Love the size, spaciousness of the interior, peppy engine, and more. At this time, I feel pretty ambivalent about whether I would ever buy a Toyota again, not because of the vehicle, but because of the arrogance of the company (perhaps) and the dealers--and I'm not even mentioning our local dealers in southern Oregon. Very happy with the car, though.
 
If I can share any more that might help, let me know. This was in January, and there were no rebates. We got the car we wanted for ski season, even though we paid $400-$500 more than we planned. Good luck.

#2810 of 3963 You have to go in person to get the best deal by orangeman99

Apr 03, 2009 (8:54 am)

In order to secure the best deal possible, you need to have the price you want to pay set and be ready to buy if that price is met. But don't start there, start even lower. They won't accept it, so make it seem like you are willing to meet them "half-way" (which would be the price you want to pay anyway). But from my experience, this doesn't work over email, they don't think you are serious and are only using their quote for leverage against another dealer, but if you go into the showroom and then make it known that you are ready to buy today, they know you aren't just using them for a quote and will work harder. Negotiate towards the price you want minus $500, and if they don't get near there, say "Thanks for your time, but we won't be able to do business together". You'll be surprised at how quickly their attitude changes. But this will only work if they see that you are serious. If they think you are just "looking" you won't get their best deal.

#2811 of 3963 Re: You have to go in person to get the best deal [orangeman99] by eljatul

Apr 03, 2009 (9:02 am)

Replying to: orangeman99 (Apr 03, 2009 8:54 am)
Good feedback. I was mainly using email to get their best price. In the past that worked fine with Hyundai dealers and I got excellent prices. Toyota dealers seem to be another breed like kkrtrek said in his post.
 
Tks,

#2812 of 3963 Re: 2009 RAV4 4WD 4cy [yuxiaohong] by santoshmanya

Apr 03, 2009 (12:17 pm)

Replying to: yuxiaohong (Apr 01, 2009 5:15 am)
Hi,
On Mar 30, I had purchased 2009 RAV4 base model 2WD, 4 cyl without the third row but with options FE (50 state emissions) and QV (base model Extra Value Package with Mud Guards); The OTD price is $22200. I am from NJ(7% tax rate) .

#2813 of 3963 Re: 2009 RAV4 4WD 4cy [santoshmanya] by koco83

Apr 03, 2009 (4:35 pm)

Replying to: santoshmanya (Apr 03, 2009 12:17 pm)
What dealership in NJ did you go to?

#2814 of 3963 Re: You have to go in person to get the best deal [orangeman99] by greggster59

Apr 04, 2009 (6:46 am)

Replying to: orangeman99 (Apr 03, 2009 8:54 am)
Very well put, orangeman99.
 
The last three car buying experiences we had ended well because our position was much stronger since we were able to say that if we got our price we would buy THAT day. I have found that the dealer works a lot harder to accomodate a buyer once they believe the buyer is serious. Dealers will not lower their guard (or prices) if they think you are going to get up at the end of the session and say you'll get back to them. The "buy today" approach makes for the most satisfactory car buying experience for both sides in our experience. This means you must be well prepared and know what exact packages the dealer is offering so you don't wind up negotiating for options that are not available. I would also recommend working with a more experienced sales person as they tend to be less worried about making their nut then in moving the car out the door.

#2815 of 3963 Re: 2009 RAV4 4WD 4cy [santoshmanya] by yuxiaohong

Apr 04, 2009 (12:39 pm)

Replying to: santoshmanya (Apr 03, 2009 12:17 pm)
Hi, Santoshmanya:
 
Thanks for your reply. If assuming that RAV4 Base 4WD Model is $1000 higher than its FWD Model, I might overpay about $500.

#2816 of 3963 2009 RAV4 Base model price paid by mdcar1

Apr 04, 2009 (8:07 pm)

Replying to: yuxiaohong (Apr 04, 2009 12:39 pm)
Just to share with you my recent purchase experience:
 
Bought a 2009 RAV4 base model, FWD, 4cyl, base extra value package plus floor mats, $19735 plus tax (6%), tags ($287), and dealing processing fee ($100), OTD price $21292, which includes $500 rebates. Also got 4.9% APR for 60 months. It's in Maryland, though. Overall pleasant experience with the dealership, no arm-twisting & no pressure. Hope it helps.

#2817 of 3963 Ready to Deal! by Nixcar

Apr 05, 2009 (7:59 am)

Quoted $31,534.84 for Rav 4, V6 4WD, QZ package w/Nav system. How low can we go on this price? Need Help!

#2818 of 3963 Re: 2009 RAV4 Base model price paid [mdcar1] by yuxiaohong

Apr 05, 2009 (8:04 am)

Replying to: mdcar1 (Apr 04, 2009 8:07 pm)
Hi, mdcar1:
 
Good job. Thanks for sharing. I learned a lesson.

Messages Page 282 of 397

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